Pirate Pete is the newest addition to Nesting By Robin’s Fall Wreaths 2017.  When I found him I really liked his personality.  He reminded me of Captain Jack Sparrow and the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.  Therefore I was inspired to build him into a wreath with black sequin tree branches and flying silver ghosts for display on a front door or wall.  I really love this character piece!

Pirate Pete.  He will be a great center point to build around in your Halloween decorating.  You can find him under the Fall Wreath 2017 tab for immediate purchase through PayPal.

I would like to introduce “Fall Buzz” which is being added to the parade of NBR’s Fall Wreath 2017 collection.  The wreath is built on a 24″ frame and measures 27-28″ in finished width.  It is made with two color schemes of deco poly mesh, a gold/brown combination and a copper metallic.  I’ve added a little glitz with the ribbons and cranberry/gold berry beads throughout the wreath.  Then finished by adding the cutest rustic bumble bees and sunflowers.  This wreath is truly a pretty accent on the front door along with your additional fall decorating needs.  It glows when the sun shines on it!

So sit back and enjoy “Fall Buzz!”

Thanks for watching, (yes, I’m still working on my skill set)! You can find “Fall Buzz” in the Fall Wreaths 2017 Shop.  Now back to the workroom to meet up with a green-eyed monster! ~ Robin

I am such an amateur when it comes to technology.  Earlier I posted a video for NBR’s Facebook page.  Keep in mind I am laughing at myself.  During the taping you can hear the sound of a car starting in the background.  Oh my…still laughing!

Okay…deep breath.  I did go back to the video and bravely ventured in finding a way to make a more professional product.  After being pleasantly surprised what I can do to edit the video including downloading a movie app, I have a new and improved video.  Enjoy the viewing, just remember I am a WIP (work in progress).  Be sure to visit Fall Wreaths 2017 page, new wreaths will be added often.

Earlier in June I made for my granddaughter’s teacher a striped beach tote gift card holder which I found on Little Monkey’s blog. You can find this free pattern at http://littlemonkeyscrochet.com/mini-beach-bag-gift-card-h…/.  I loved the bag and colors so much it was inspiring me to design an adult size bag.  A couple of nights later I woke from a deep sleep with the pattern formulating in my mind.  I had to get up, rummage the yarn stash, grab my crochet hook and begin putting together what I was envisioning.  Here is the end result.

As promised on NBR’s Facebook page, I have included the free pattern in this blog post.  Now I have to admit I don’t write patterns.  I chicken scratch in code what I am creating on a piece of paper.  My daughter and granddaughter’s when they find these patterns in a spiral notebook are going to have a hard time breaking code in the future.  Something that will need to be rectified on my part.  So here goes… Forgive me for any errors and please feel free to contact me for any clarification you may need.

Materials:
– I Love This Yarn in turquoise, greymist, and white.  I suggest getting two skeins of each so you can easily pull from the center and while crocheting with two strands at once. You can purchase this yarn at Hobby Lobby.

– 2 yards of cotton braided cord, (I purchased at JoAnn’s). 
– Size I (5.5mm) Crochet Hook
– Large Tapestry Needle     – Optional:  Grey twine, charm (purchased at JoAnn’s)

Tote Bag Pattern:
Starting with two strands of Turquoise yarn…
Chain 41, SC in second chain from hook and rest of the way down chain making 5 SC in last chain.
Now working on the other side of chain, SC in each chain making 5 SC in last chain, join to first SC, chain 1 (ch 1 does not count as a stitch).
Round 2: SC in same stitch as ch 1.  SC first 38, 2 SC in next 5 stitches, SC in next 38, 2 SC in next 5 stitches, join, chain 1 (99 SC).
Round 3: SC in first 44, 2 SC in next 5, SC in next 43, 2 SC in next 5, SC in last 2, join, chain 1 (109 SC)
Round 4: SC in first 46, 2 SC in next 10, SC in next 45, 2 SC in next 10, SC in last 2, join, chain 1 (133)
Round 5: In back loops only, SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1 (133 SC)
Round 6-13: Now working in both loops for the rest of the project, SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1 (133 SC)
Switch to two strands of White yarn…
Round 14-16: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1 (133 SC)
Switch to two strands of Greymist yarn…
Round 17-19: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1 (133 SC)
Switch to two strands of White yarn…
Round 20-22: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1 (133 SC)
Switch to two strands of Greymist yarn…
Round 23-25: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1
Switch to two strands of White yarn…
Round 26-28: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1
Switch to two strands of Greymist yarn…
Round 29-31: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1
Switch to two strands of White yarn…
Round 32-34: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1
Switch to two strands of Greymist yarn…
Round 35-37: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1
Switch to two strands of White yarn…
Round 38-40: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1
Switch to two strands of Turquoise yarn…
Round 41-46: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1
Round 47: SC in first 20, chain 2, skip 2, SC in next 25, chain 2, skip 2, SC in 41, chain 2, skip 2, SC in next 25, chain 2, skip 2, SC in last 22 stitches, join, chain 1 (125 SC, 8 chain st)
Round 48: SC in first 20, 2 SC in ch 2 space, SC in next 25, 2 SC in chain 2 space, SC in next 41, 2 SC in chain 2 space, SC in 25, 2 SC in chain 2 space, SC in last 22, join, chain (133 SC)
Round 49-51: SC in each stitch around, join, chain 1
Fasten off and weave in ends.

Handles: 2-1 yard of 3/4″ cotton braid cord.  Front side of tote, place one end through 2 chain space and knot, repeat in second chain 2 space.  Back side repeat instructions on wrong side.  Use picture as a guide.   When working with the cord, be sure to secure ends with scotch tape.  This keeps it from unraveling and easier to thread through the chain 2 spaces.

Embellishment:  Cut 3- 12″ strips of grey twine, braid, attach charm, attach to handle.

Hoping this is clear as “mud!”

This bag is for sale or you can place an order.  Find details in Nesting for Spring Shop.

*** You may make and sell products from my patterns but if you do, I ask that you link back to my post. Please do not copy and post this pattern and claim it as your own. Please do not re-publish photos as your own.***

Enjoy! ~ Robin

Last Saturday my handsome husband and I were watching two of our grandchildren while their older sister was playing in a weekend sand soccer tournament at Fort Fisher.  We decided to take a trip to the beach to watch sissy, her team and spend the day at the beach.  It was a beautiful sunny day.  When we arrived the beach was marked with eleven soccer fields along with nine hours of nonstop soccer.  Colored tents lined alongside the marked fields with parents and families nestled in for a day at the beach.  It was quite a sight watching twenty-two teams play and after each game run as a herd from the fields straight into the ocean to cool off.  Along with the players, our younger grandchildren were among them having a great day playing in the sand and ocean.  This was our first experience at Sandblast Soccer and we really enjoyed the day interacting with parents, players and their families.  Plenty of food, drink, an ocean and a hot sandy beach.

As the day grew hotter, the sand grew hotter to walk on.  It had gotten so hot, you could seriously burn the bottom of your feet.  I was grateful I had brought my flip flop slippers I made to protect my feet.  They really worked out great!  I could walk along the beach and not worry they had gotten wet because they’re made with cotton yarn.  Later when we walked the boardwalk at Carolina Beach, I didn’t have to change shoes.  They looked great with my maxi dress.  Later at home, I through them in the wash and now they are ready to wear again.  I love them!  So much so I am motivated in making a pair for each grandchild to wear. One blue, pink and purple pair.

Crochet Flip Flop Slippers (S,M,L sizes) $10 per pair

Flip Flop Slippers

Versatile, can be worn indoors and outdoors.  

Made with 100% cotton yarn, flip flops and machine washable.

Variety of colors and sizes.  $10 per pair

Don’t leave home for the beach without a pair to wear! ~ Robin

I love creating with 100% soft cotton.  Especially in the summer with the variety of color choices.  Colors that are bright, bold, variegated and in pastels.  Cotton is machine wash and dry with little to no fuzz.  It is light weight to wear keeping you cool during the day, and yet a little warmth during those cool nights.

Many things can be made with cotton.  Pictured below are just a few ideas.

Star Stitch Purse Lined $45 Unlined $30 Large Rose Pin $5

Mermaid Ensemble Newborn – 12 mos. $30

Crochet Flip Flop Slippers (S,M,L sizes) $10 per pair

Jellyfish Toy, Towel, Decoration 100% soft cotton, 5″w x 10″l $10

Newsboy Hat Newborn size only Soft cotton/acrylic blend Price: $15

Tri-Set Crochet Bowls Small, Medium and Large sizes Variety of Colors, can be purchased individually Set: $24 Individual: $7

What isn’t pictured but are beautiful when completed are shawls.  Wedding shawls and casual shawls in a variety of styles, colors and design drape nicely when being worn.  The imagination in creativity is almost endless when working with 100% cotton.  Beach wear, stuffed toys, doilies, table runners, wreaths, pillows and seat cushions are a few more examples.

Do you have a baby shower coming up?  A baby blanket, booties, diaper cover, and hat would be a wonderful gift to give.  Need a birthday idea?  Cotton flip flop slippers/shoes can be worn around town and on the beach.  These are available children to adult sizes.  Need a housewarming gift?  A basket of handmade dishcloths along with kitchen supplies would be helpful to the new homeowner.

Choose from our inventory or place a special order today.  Take advantage of our second anniversary special of 20% off your entire purchase.  This offer is good until Thursday, May 18th, (that’s tomorrow).  Contact me and let’s create together ~ Robin

Two years ago today Nesting By Robin was born.  It has been an exciting journey watching the business grow and evolve because of you!  Join in NBR’s celebration by accepting this gift of 20% off total purchase on any current inventory or special order.  Don’t wait, this gift ends on Thursday, May 18th!

Few memories to share with you.

Mermaid Ensemble Newborn – 12 mos. $30

Washboard Valentine Wreath $119

Star Stitch Purse Lined $45 Unlined $30 Large Rose Pin $5

Shark/Dolphin Tail Snuggle Sak Children/Adult sizes Price: $60

Thanksgiving Turkey Slippers Comes in teen/women sizes Price: $10 per pair

Pumpkin Season 24-26″ Deco Mesh Price: $60

Baby and Kid Fun Fish Scrubbies $5 Everything else is posted in the shoppes.

No Shoes Required Clearance $60

Happy Lady Bug 16″ Grapevine wreath $50

Infant Snuggle Sak Newborn to 3 months Price: $30

Top Hat Bunny Clearance $75

So excited to see what this coming year will bring!

Happy Anniversary Nesting By Robin!

My husband and I were having our morning coffee when he brought up a few questions regarding NBR’s wreaths.  They were good questions since I have been asked those very questions from clients.

So…

Lets’s have a wreath Q&A!

Question:  Do our wreaths scratch front or back doors?

Answer:  No.  I have been making wreaths for many years and one thing I do, is to make sure they are made not to damage doors or walls.  When purchasing a wreath the back of it should look finished and neat.  It should not have any wire or sharp edges from added embellishments sticking out to cause damage.  Let me show you…

One of the first things a designer asks her/himself is how am I going to attach my centerpiece and embellishments?  This question is important for various reasons, however specifically, what am I going to use?  I personally do not use hot glue to attach my pieces to the wreath.  Reason, the hot sun will soften the glue and the attachments end up falling off.  For me, zip ties!  I am a big zip tie fan, however I will use floral wire.  This pictured wreath above shows I used both.  As you can see the back of the wreath is neat and clean.

Question:  Do I attach a back hanger to my wreaths?

Answer: Yes.

The picture above is how I make and attach a hanger to my wreaths using zip ties.  I used black for visual purpose only.   This type of hanger keeps the wreath secure.  Believe it or not, I can say my wreaths are almost child proof when hung from the hook.  So far, I haven’t had a wreath hit the ground nor had damage to my door. Have I shared that I have nine grandchildren?  Anyway, I also add similar hangers to my grapevine wreaths.

Here is the wreath looking fantastic!

Question:  Can my wreaths withstand weather?

Answer:  Here in the south, most homes have open porches with a roof over it.  For us they are protected and can withstand the weather.  If the wreath is made with paper mesh, I would not display outdoors unless it is in an enclosed porch.  During hurricane season, I would remove the wreath from the door, (lol).  Sun is our challenge.  You can keep your poly mesh wreath from fading by applying a thin layer of spray starch.  It really does work.

Question:  Do I offer any discounts?

Answer:  Not very often.  I truly keep my costs on the low side to allow affordability.  The cost reflects the quality of materials I use in my wreaths.   One benefit I do offer all of my clients is when they are ready for a replacement wreath, most times the frame can be reused.  This will help lower the cost and I will give a 10% discount on replacements.

This ends the wreath Q&A.  I hope this has been helpful.  If you have any additional questions, please feel free to ask.  There will be a small pause until the next time I blog.  I have several projects I am working on such as crocheting, knitting and a few orders for Easter, weddings and babies.  Keep checking the shoppes for added inventory.  All prices quoted includes income tax.  I am always available for custom ordering.

Until then, may your days be filled with blessings! ~Robin